Ryan pushed through the door of the club, stepping out into the cold night air, the loud music and bright lights already fading behind him. The quiet felt almost surreal after the chaos inside. He leaned against the wall for a moment, his breath visible in the crisp air, trying to shake off the restless feeling that had been nagging him all night. He wasn't usually the type to seek solitude, but something about the night felt off. He ran a hand through his hair, glancing around. That’s when he saw her.

She was leaning against the dumpster, a cigarette dangling from her fingers, her gaze distant as she stared into the night. He recognized her now—Clover, from campus. She looked out of place here, like she was waiting for something—or maybe running from it. Ryan hesitated, watching her for a moment. There was something about the way she held herself, like she wasn’t quite a part of the world around her. His curiosity got the better of him, and he took a few slow steps toward her, unsure of what exactly had drawn him out here. He stopped a few feet away, his voice low and calm. “You okay?”